When it’s time to have your old roof replaced, you aren’t just fixing a structure; you are investing in your home’s future curb appeal and durability. To make the best choice for your budget and local climate, you need to look beyond the basics and understand the different types of roofing shingles available.
Asphalt shingles are the standard among homeowners (up to 70% of all homeowners here in the United States have them), but modern engineering has opened the door to superior alternatives. From energy-efficient cool roofs to storm-proof composites, there are so many other types of roofing shingles you can opt for to boost your home’s overall value.
We have analyzed the market to help you find the perfect roof for your needs. Below, we’ll introduce you to the six most popular types of roofing shingles you can choose from right now—along with their pros and cons!
Key Takeaways
- Compare Top Materials: From budget-friendly asphalt to lifetime slate, explore the durability and aesthetic benefits of the six most popular types of roofing shingles in our detailed breakdown.
- Match Your Needs: Weigh essential variables like local weather resilience and curb appeal to identify which types of roofing shingles best align with your home’s architectural style and budget.
- Simplify Your Decision: Skip the guesswork and partner with Johnson Restoration to ensure you select the ideal roofing solution that protects your investment for decades to come.
The 6 Most Popular Types of Roofing Shingles
1. Asphalt Shingles
As mentioned above, asphalt shingles is one of the most common types of roofing shingles you can find. They’re made using a combination of raw materials, including asphalt, fiberglass, and in some instances, composite materials. They also come in the widest range of colors to match virtually all home aesthetics, and some even mimic other types of more expensive materials.
There are three types of asphalt shingles a homeowner can choose from:
- 3-tab shingles: 3-tab shingles are named for their design — which is three tabs on each shingle strip. These asphalt roofing shingles are meant to lay flat and give the appearance of wooden shakes, and they’re the most affordable of the bunch.
- Architectural shingles: Architectural shingles (or, dimensional shingles) are designed to add dimension to your roofing system. These asphalt roofing shingles also imitate the look of wood shakes and shingles as they’re installed in a more layered pattern.
- Luxury shingles: Also known as premium or designer shingles, luxury shingles are meant to mimic the appearance of slate tiles. They’re significantly larger than your other asphalt shingle options and they’re much more durable as well.
✅The Pros
- Affordable
- Available in all colors and sizes
- Easily accessible throughout the US
- Low maintenance
- Recyclable
❌The Cons
- Shorter lifespan than other roofing shingles (20-30 years)
- Color typically fades with sun exposure
- 3-tab shingles are the least durable and prone to wind damage
2. Metal Shingles
Metal roofing has become a popular choice among homeowners recently. Not only does it allow for more flexibility, but the metal materials can be installed in either panels or shingles — whichever you’d prefer. Metal shingles are designed to have the same appearance as the types of roofing shingles, and they can be painted in a variety of colors.
✅The Pros
- Long-lasting (70 to more than 100 years, depending on the type of metal)
- Very durable
- Low maintenance
- Lightweight
- Highly recyclable
❌The Cons
- Usually requires soundproofing for the noise
- Can warp or wrinkle if installed improperly
- More costly to install as it requires specialized labor
3. Wood Shakes
Wood shakes are considered a premium material as it’s one of the most natural types of roofing out there. It also makes for a very aesthetically pleasing addition to any home, even as the wood turns silver over time.
Wood roofing will last up to 50 years with professional installation, care, and maintenance. However, it does require a lot of upkeep as the natural material is most susceptible to elemental damage.
✅The Pros
- Beautiful curb appeal
- All natural
- Sustainable and recyclable
❌The Cons
- Expensive
- Difficult to repair
- Requires frequent maintenance and treatment to prevent damage
- More susceptible to fire damage
4. Clay Tile Shingles
The use of clay tiles for roofing dates back all the way to 5,000 years in Ancient China, where glazed earthenware roofs were and still are abundant. Clay shingles are especially popular in hot and humid climates as they do an excellent job of regulating indoor temperatures.
Clay tile shingles are also well known for being durable and long-lasting. They’re also naturally fire-resistant, which means you won’t have to worry about having them specially treated. It should be noted that while these options among the different types of roofing shingles are considered durable against the elements, they are susceptible to damage upon impact.
✅The Pros
- Very low maintenance
- Great curb appeal
- Can last over 100 years
- Materials are natural and sustainable
- Regulate indoor temperatures very well
❌The Cons
- Susceptible to impact damage from falling debris
- Heavier than other materials and may require additional structural support upon installation
- Costly as they require specialized labor for installation
5. Slate Shingles
Slate is another popular choice among the different types of roofing shingles as it’s also natural, durable, and incredibly appealing. Slate is made from metamorphic rocks, which come from volcanic ash and clay. Most slate roofing is made in Italy as well, which is part of the reason why it’s so expensive — but it can last up to 200 years with the right care and maintenance and it will give your home a more classy appearance.
✅The Pros
- It virtually lasts forever
- Low maintenance
- Durable and naturally fireproof
- Impact resistant
- Resistant to extreme temperatures
❌The Cons
- Expensive
- Requires additional structural support due to its weight
- Requires specialized labor for installation and repairs
- Doesn’t usually include a manufacturer’s warranty
6. Composite Shingles
Composite shingles are one of the most popular types of roofing shingles that are growing in popularity among homeowners. Composite shingles are made from a combination of materials, including:
- Synthetic polymers
- Recycled materials
- Slate
- Laminate
- Wood
They’re designed to mimic the appearance of slate tiles as manufacturers use slate tile molds to achieve this. These types of roofing shingles are well-known for their durability and typically come with a 30 to 50-year warranty. Some are even guaranteed to last a lifetime.
✅The Pros
- Eco-friendly
- Long-lasting and durable
- More affordable than real slate
- Excellent Warranties
❌The Cons
- Still more expensive than most roofing materials
- May not be available in your region as they’re newer to the roofing industry
- Vulnerable to impact
Factors to Choose the Right Types of Roofing Shingles
Choosing the right roof can feel like a lot of pressure, but it doesn’t have to be. Industry experts suggest breaking the decision down into a few simple categories. This makes it much easier to sort through the various types of roofing shingles and find the one that fits your home perfectly.
Budget vs. Style
It usually comes down to balancing what you want with what you can spend. Recommend considering the “needs” of your home in conjunction with your budget. You don’t have to stick with the default option just because it’s common. Instead, explore different types of roofing shingles to find a look that stands out while staying within your price range.
Lifestyle Goals
Think about what you want your roof to achieve. Some guides highlight that modern roofing is about more than just keeping water out; it’s about your lifestyle. Whether you want to save money on energy bills with solar-ready options or use eco-friendly materials, there are types of roofing shingles designed specifically for those goals.
Where You Live
Finally, your local climate should play a huge role in your choice. Living in Centerville means your roof must handle heavy snow, ice dams, and constant freeze-thaw cycles. You can’t just pick any material; experts warn that you need to consider how different types of roofing shingles hold up against our harsh winters and spring storms. Checking for high wind and impact resistance is the best way to protect your investment here.
Choose the Right Shingles With Our Help
Selecting the ideal candidate from the many types of roofing shingles available is a high-stakes decision for any homeowner. It requires a delicate balance between your immediate budget and the long-term performance needs of your specific climate. Because regional availability and local building codes play such a vital role, consulting with seasoned roofing professionals is the best way to ensure your investment stands the test of time.
At Johnson Restoration, we specialize in navigating these choices so you don’t have to. We provide the expert insight needed to match your home with a roofing system that offers both peak protection and stunning aesthetics. Our team prioritizes durability and energy efficiency, ensuring your new roof reduces monthly utility costs while enhancing curb appeal. We handle every detail, from initial inspection to the final shingle.
Ready to upgrade your home’s defense? Reach out to us today to explore our residential roofing services and get a professional recommendation tailored to your needs!
